The Declaration of the Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City as a Minor Basilica

One of the highlights of my travels this year was my visit to Angeles City on June 10, 2026, to witness the solemn declaration of the Holy Rosary Parish Church as a Minor Basilica. Since applications for churches seeking this distinction pass through the CBCP Secretariat, I had the privilege of following the process from the very beginning and, finally, being present for this historic celebration.

Many people are unaware of the lengthy process involved before a church is granted the title of Minor Basilica. The parish first submits an extensive application containing the church's history, liturgical life, pastoral activities, architectural significance, and many other supporting documents. An ocular inspection is then conducted by the Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy. Once the Commission issues a nihil obstat, the application is presented to the CBCP Permanent Council. If approved, the CBCP President endorses the petition, and the entire documentation is sent to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome for its final decision. Only after receiving the approval from the Holy See is a date fixed for the official declaration.

This particular celebration was made even more meaningful because the first Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Manuel Sta. Maria, is a contemporary of mine from our seminary days at the University of Santo Tomas. It was heartwarming to see him receive yet another honor during the same celebration. Along with the declaration of the church as a Minor Basilica, he was installed as a Papal Chaplain and bestowed the honorary title of Monsignor.

The celebration drew a large gathering of bishops from different parts of the country. Among those present were Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who had once served as parish priest of the parish, Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. The church was overflowing with the faithful, with many more participating from outside, a fitting testament to the deep devotion of the people of Angeles.

Since it had been several years since my last visit, I took the opportunity to admire the church once again. I immediately noticed the improvements that had been made. The retablo behind the main altar had been beautifully enhanced, making the sanctuary even more striking. What especially caught my attention, however, were the Stations of the Cross. Unlike the usual sculpted stations found in many churches, these were exquisite oil paintings that added a unique artistic and devotional character to the basilica.

As I left the church that afternoon, I reflected on how fitting it was that this historic parish had received the title of Minor Basilica. Beyond its beautiful architecture and rich history, it continues to be a vibrant center of faith for generations of Catholics. I felt blessed to have witnessed this important milestone—not only as Secretary General of the CBCP who had seen the petition through its various stages, but also as a pilgrim grateful to be part of another memorable chapter in the life of the Church in the Philippines.

Minor Basilica and Parish of  Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Pisamban Maragul), Angeles City.

The Rector and Parish priest, Msgr. Manuel Sta. Maria was also invested as a Papal Chaplain during the celebration

Cardinal Ambo David was the homilist

A group picture of the bishops who attended the official declaration of the Holy Rosary Minor Basilica and Parish, Angeles City.

The Stations of the Cross in oil painting. 

For old pictures of the Most Holy Rosary Parish click here.

Adventure at the Ulot River in Paranas, Samar

Right after my trip to Kalinga, I had to travel back to Leyte because I had been invited to be the principal celebrant of the Vigil Mass for the fiesta of the Holy Child Parish in Capoocan, Leyte, on June 5. Since I had no commitments the following day, my good friend Mark invited me to join him for a day of adventure at the Ulot River in Paranas, Samar. Ronnie, our other friend who was supposed to come along, could no longer make it. Since it would only be Mark and me, I invited two of my former altar servers from Palo to join us. It turned out to be an excellent decision, and the four of us were all set for a memorable road trip.

We left early on Saturday morning for the two-hour drive to the famous Ulot River. Since we had skipped breakfast before leaving, we stopped at one of the roadside eateries at Buray Junction, where the road turns right toward Taft, Eastern Samar. A hearty breakfast was just what we needed before the day's adventure.

From Buray Junction, it was another 16 kilometers to the Ulot River jump-off point. We arrived at around nine in the morning, only to discover that all six torpedo boats operating that day had already departed with earlier groups. There was nothing to do but wait. Almost two hours passed before our turn finally came, but the anticipation only made us more eager to experience what everyone had been talking about.

The Ulot River is the longest river in Samar and flows through the Samar Island Natural Park, one of the country's most important protected forests. It is famous not only for its pristine surroundings but also for the TORPEDO Extreme Boat Adventure, one of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Eastern Visayas.

The long, narrow torpedo boats are specially designed to cut through the river and navigate its swift currents. Interestingly, TORPEDO is also the name of the local association that manages the adventure. It stands for Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization—quite a lengthy name, but one that reflects the group's commitment to protecting the river while providing a sustainable livelihood for the local community.

Once our boat set off, the long wait was quickly forgotten. For almost two hours, we cruised both downstream and upstream, with dense forests lining both sides of the river. The scenery was serene and largely untouched, broken only by the roar of the engine and the splash of water as our boat sped through the current. Our boatman expertly navigated the twists and turns of the river, giving us just enough speed to make the ride both exciting and safe.

The highlight of the adventure came at Deni's Point, where the river divides into several small waterfalls. Visitors are invited to jump into the rushing water and simply let the current carry them downstream.

Standing on the rock and looking at the rushing water below, I hesitated at first. The current looked strong enough to make anyone think twice. But then I reminded myself that we were all wearing life vests and that countless visitors had done the same before us. With that reassurance, I finally took the plunge.

For the next few moments, I was completely at the mercy of the current. The rushing water swept me downstream as I laughed and tried to keep myself afloat. It was exhilarating, refreshing, and unlike anything I had ever experienced. I enjoyed it so much that I climbed back up and did it all over again. Without a doubt, it became the most unforgettable part of the trip.

The TORPEDO Extreme Boat Adventure costs ₱2,325 per boat for the approximately two-hour ride. Since each boat can accommodate up to five passengers, the cost comes to only about ₱465 per person, making it a surprisingly affordable adventure.

Looking back, the two-hour wait that morning became only a small footnote in what turned out to be a wonderful day. More than the thrilling boat ride, what I treasure most is sharing the experience with my good friend Mark and two young men who had once served at the altar. It was one of those simple road trips that became a collection of laughter, friendship, and memories that will be retold for years to come.

If you ever find yourself in Samar and are looking for something beyond the usual tourist destinations, I highly recommend the Ulot River. It offers not only breathtaking scenery and an adrenaline-filled adventure, but also the chance to create memories with friends that will last long after the river's current has carried you downstream.

In some parts of the river, the water was too shallow for the boat to pass. The boatmen had to lift and maneuver it over the rocks before we could continue our journey.

At Deni's Point where we plunged down the gushing river to float downstream. 

The Installation of Bishop Mejia of Tabuk, Kalinga and the visit to Rizal, Kalinga.

              Last June 1–3, 2026, I had the opportunity to visit the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk once again on the occasion of the episcopal ordination and installation of its new bishop, the Most Rev. Sean Mejia, JCL.

On June 1, the entourage of bishops, together with the Apostolic Nuncio, departed from the Archbishop’s Residence in Tuguegarao at 2:00 p.m. for the hour-long journey to Tabuk. Upon arrival, we proceeded directly to St. William’s Cathedral, where the bishop-elect made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio.

Immediately afterward, we were brought to the Provincial Sports Center for the civic reception in honor of the Apostolic Nuncio. During the program, he was adopted as an honorary son of Kalinga and given the native name Tunggayok by Governor James Edduba and Vice Governor Dave Odiem. Following the reception, where an early dinner was served, we proceeded to the Pastoral Center for another dinner hosted in honor of the bishop-elect. We left early to check in at our hotel. We were billeted at Golden Fields Hotel, one of three hotels reserved for the visiting bishops.

The episcopal ordination took place at 9:00 a.m. on June 2 at St. William’s Cathedral. The solemn celebration lasted about three and a half hours. Lunch was served afterward at the  Pastoral Center, located within the compound of the bishop’s residence. In the evening, dinner was hosted by the former bishop of Tabuk, Bishop Prudencio Andaya, at an events venue owned by his family for the bishops and priests who remained after the ceremonies.

On our way to Tuguegarao Airport the following day, I asked the transportation coordinator if we could make a brief stop at the parish church of Rizal, which lay along our route. Rizal was the last municipality in Kalinga that I had not yet visited. Fortunately, the parish priest of Rizal happened to be in charge of transportation arrangements, and he graciously agreed to the short detour, allowing me to visit the parish church.

The trip was truly memorable, made even more meaningful by finally visiting the last town in Kalinga that I had missed during my Holy Week journey through the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao in 2022.

 

The St. William's Cathedral of Tabuk.

The day before the episcopal ordination, Bishop elect Sean Mejia made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity in front of the Apostolic Nuncio.

At the civic reception, the Apostolic Nuncio was officially adopted as an honorary Kalingan with a native name by the officials of the province of Kalinga

The CBCP staff with the official master of ceremonies, Fr. Jake Cawas, who is the personal secretary of the new bishop.

With the bishop elect, Sean Mejia just before the ordination ceremonies.

With the CBCP President, Most Rev. Gilbert Garcera of Lipa and Msgr. Caluya, administrator of Masbate.

The Apostolic Nuncio as the ordination and installing prelate.

During the Litany of the Saints.

The laying on of hands by the Apostolic Nuncio.

Bp. Andaya, the former bishop of Tabuk as one the consecrators.

Abp. Ricardo Baccay, the Archbishop of Tuguegarao, the other consecrator.

Bp. Tobias, one of the oldest bishop present.

The pouring of the holy oils on the head of the new bishop.

The giving of the Book of the Gospels.

The giving of the pastoral staff.

The kiss of peace right after the sitting of the new bishop on his cathedra.

The new bishop on his Cathedra.

The new bishop giving his first episcopal blessing to the congregation.

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission
Babalag, Rizal, Kalinga

What was striking in the church was the bas relief of the Stations of the Cross which surrounded the church just above the doors.